Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • Phnom Penh
  • Last updated on

Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni among finalists for TIME’s 2026 Person of the Year?

According to a top source, Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the monarch's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 15/03/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Norodom for Person of the Year?

The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 72-year-old monarch, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Norodom so important is the potential and influence he now has, rather than anything he has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the monarch have already been named ‘Cambodian Of The Year’ by some major Cambodian newspapers and even ‘Phnom Penh Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Phnom Penh (Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

A representative for the monarch was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:

“#NorodomPOY. Logical choice though I wouldn't have made the same one.”
— @TomMiller, 14 Mar 2026
“Congrats! Sihamoni has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 14 Mar 2026
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 14 Mar 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni?

Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2026 Person of the Year.

Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2026?

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Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni: Recent News

 

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